As a parent, you’ve probably experienced it — asking your child to smile for the camera and getting that familiar forced grin with the scrunched nose and squinty eyes. Those photos have their own charm, but they’re usually not the ones you come back to.

As a Bay Area family photographer, here are seven things that actually work.

1. Follow Their Lead

Kids are more themselves when you step into their world rather than directing them. Notice what they’re working on, ask about it, become part of it. When a child feels like you’re genuinely interested in what they’re doing, their expressions change — they stop performing and start just being.

2. Let Them Show You What They’re Into

The dinosaur phase, the princess phase, the phase where they carried the same stuffed animal everywhere — these details tell you who they were at this age. Let them bring out their favorite toys and books, and photograph them in the middle of whatever they actually care about right now.

3. Make It Silly

Funny faces, ridiculous jokes, getting siblings involved — silliness tends to produce the most genuine photos. You don’t need a reason for it. Just do something absurd and see what happens.

4. Tell Them Not to Smile

This one works almost every time. “No smiling allowed. Not even a tiny one.” Most kids can’t resist. The laugh that follows is usually exactly what you were looking for.

5. Let Them Move

Asking kids to sit still is asking them to be someone they’re not. Tickles, twirling, jumping, spinning — movement loosens everyone up and the expressions that follow tend to be the most natural ones.

6. Give Them Some Space

A little independence goes a long way. Let them explore a few steps ahead, play a quick game of hide-and-seek, or just step back and see what they do when they’re not being watched. Kids often do their most interesting things when the pressure is off.

7. Relax Yourself

Your energy shapes the moment. When you’re relaxed and genuinely enjoying the time with your child, they feel it. Keep the camera close but let the connection come first — the photos follow from that.

Book a Bay Area Family Session

f you’re looking for a Bay Area family photographer who works this way — following kids’ leads, keeping it loose, letting things unfold — I’d love to hear about your family. Learn more about family photography sessions or get in touch to start planning.